OPERATION SPA CITY SPECIAL RESULTS IN 24 DEFENDANTS CHARGED FOR OFFENSES INVOLVING DRUG TRAFFICKING AND GANG VIOLENCE IN HOT SPRINGS

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 13, 2013

Hot Springs, Arkansas - Conner Eldridge, United States Attorney for the Western District of Arkansas; Phillip Durham, Special Agent in Charge with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (“ATF”); David Flory, Hot Springs Police Department Chief of Police; and Steve Oliver, Prosecuting Attorney for the Eighteenth East Judicial District of Arkansas, announced that 24 individuals have been charged with offenses stemming from gang violence, drug trafficking, and the use of firearms in the Hot Springs area. A total of 19 indictments were returned by the Grand Jury. The charges include the distribution of methamphetamine and crack cocaine, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, and being a felon in possession of a firearm. All but one defendant have prior felony convictions, and several are considered career offenders.

United States Attorney Eldridge commented, “Hot Springs has been plagued by violence and drug trafficking. As a result of the diligence of this investigation, the dangerous illegal activity in Hot Springs has been disrupted, and we have taken a large step forward in making the community a safer place. For this reason, we remain committed to prosecuting violent offenses, drug trafficking crimes, and felon in possession of a firearm cases – across the Western District of Arkansas.”

Chief Flory stated, “The Hot Springs Police Department is committed to utilizing every lawful means possible in an effort to eliminate the use, sale, and distribution of illegal drugs in our community. The past twelve months, we have partnered with the ATF and the United States Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Arkansas in a major drug investigation targeting over twenty suspects, all of whom live within Hot Springs and/or Garland County. These twenty suspects were identified by undercover agents as those who have key roles within the drug trafficking underground in our community. Many of these suspects have extensive arrest histories for offenses such as possession, sale, and/or the manufacture of drugs, including methamphetamine, cocaine, and marijuana. Most all of these suspects are known to carry firearms and are strongly affiliated with known gangs who have a propensity for violence.”

Flory further added, “This investigation has culminated in the return of over 19 federal indictments on a total of twenty-four suspects. As of Thursday, June 13, 2013 members of the ATF, HSPD SWAT Team, and the 18th East Judicial Drug Task Force are actively in the field attempting to take into custody each one of these suspects. It is believed that the arrests of these twenty-four suspects will have a significant impact on the drug trafficking operations within Hot Springs, Garland County and the surrounding area.”
ATF Special Agent in Charge Phillip Durham stated, “Protecting our communities from the illegal use and trafficking of firearms is a major part of ATF’s mission, and our primary goal is to reduce the number of homicides and other violent crimes committed with firearms. ATF and our law enforcement partners will continue our resolve to work together to reduce the illegal use of firearms and to dismantle violent gangs. Any guns taken from the hands of violent offenders will make our communities a safer place to live. I hope that the success of this coordinated joint investigation sends a strong message to those who choose to bring guns, drugs and violence into our neighborhoods.”

Beginning in March of 2012, the Hot Springs Street Crimes Unit in conjunction with the ATF launched an investigation in response to the emerging gang violence and drug trafficking. Over 80 controlled buys of crack cocaine and methamphetamine were conducted during the course of this investigation. The investigation has resulted in the seizure of over 500 grams of crack cocaine, seven vehicles valued at over $50,000, 17 firearms, methamphetamine, and over $15,000 in cash.

Several of the defendants have previously committed three or more violent felonies or serious drug offenses and face a maximum term of life imprisonment if convicted of the charges.

This case was investigated by the Hot Springs Street Crimes Unit of the Hot Springs Police Department and the ATF. Assistant United States Attorneys Kenneth Elser and David Harris are prosecuting the cases for the United States.

The charges in the indictments are only allegations. A person is presumed innocent unless or until he or she is proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

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The Office of U.S. AttorneyConner Eldridge

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